Kurukshetra Movie Review

This adaptation of the Mahabharata is mainly told through the eyes of the Kaurava prince Duryodhana. The flawed hero is the protagonist of this film, where one gets to see how a brilliant warrior turns victim of circumstances and people.

For most people, Duryodhana has remained as one of the most intriguing characters in the Mahabharata. This film gives one insights on how Duryodhana, who could have been one of the greatest warriors and rulers, ends up being manipulated, and eventually meets an untimely end.

While the film mainly deals with the rise and fall of Duryodhana, it also highlights Karna's loyalty, friendship and giving nature, as he is another character who ends up getting the raw deal. There's an entire episode of young Abhimanyu trying to conquer the Chakravyuha and also Draupadi's shaming and her vow to avenge the embarrassments thereafter. For fans of the late Ambareesh, there's also an extended episode of him as Bheeshma.

Munirathna Kurukshetra is not a definitive adaptation of the Mahabharata, but it does manage to pique one's interest to revisit the epic and know more about the characters. The stellar casting is a big win for this. Darshan excels as Duryodhana. Arjun Sarja as Karna is the other highlight of the film, while Sneha impresses as Draupadi. P Ravi Shankar as Shakuni is a scene stealer. V Ravichandran's Krishna act deserves a mention too.

The film released with a lot of expectations, given its 3D format and spectacular cast. While the story manages to hold the interest of the viewers through most of its run time, the screenplay basically plays to the gallery. It may not be the most technically astute work when compared to what one sees in the West, it has a lot of effort that's gone into the making. The 3D graphics too, unfortunately, are not up to the standards that the audience is uses to lately.

This one is for those who miss the good old mythological cinema and of course, for Darshan’s fans, who can watch their superstar playing the character of his lifetime and excelling in it.